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Abstract:

Systems and methods for powerline communications are provided. A system
can include a controller and an extension unit. The controller includes a
plurality of transceivers, each of the plurality of transceivers are
coupled to a powerline network and a switch coupled to each of the
plurality of transceivers. The extension unit includes a transceiver
coupled to the powerline network and an interface to a communication
unit. The controller is coupled to a broadband wireless network via the
powerline network and the switch of the controller switches
communications between the extension unit and the broadband wireless
network..

Claims:

1. A system comprising:a controller that includesa plurality of
transceivers, each of the plurality of transceivers are coupled to a
powerline network; anda switch coupled to each of the plurality of
transceivers;an extension unit that includesa transceiver coupled to the
powerline network; andan interface to a communication unit,wherein the
controller is coupled to a broadband wireless network via the powerline
network and the switch of the controller switches communications between
the extension unit and the broadband wireless network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller and extension unit each
include a voice compressor.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication unit is a public
switched network (PSTN) or private branch exchange (PBX) telephone and
the extension unit further comprises:a
digital-to-analog/analog-to-digital converter coupled to the extension
unit transceiver; anda subscriber line interface coupled between the
digital-to-analog/analog-to. digital converter and the PSTN or PBX
telephone.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication unit is a Voice over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone or a computer and the extension unit
further comprises:a session initiation protocol (SIP) and media gateway
coupled between the extension unit transceiver and the VoIP telephone or
computer.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the extension unit further comprises:a
digital-to-analog/analog-to-digital converter coupled to the extension
unit transceiver;a subscriber line interface coupled to the
digital-to-analog/analog-to-digital converter; anda session initiation
protocol (SIP) and media gateway coupled to the extension unit
transceiver.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller further comprises a
plurality of unit controllers, each of the plurality of unit controllers
are coupled between a respective one of the plurality of transceivers and
the switch.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising:a broadband transceiver
coupled between the controller and the broadband wireless network.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the extension unit transceiver and the
plurality of transceivers modulate communications onto a powerline of the
powerline network.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the communications are voice
communications.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the communications are data
communications.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the private branch exchange functions
include switching incoming calls to the extension unit, establishing an
intercom between the extension unit and another extension unit, placing a
call on hold, transferring a call from the extension unit to another
extension unit, forwarding a call from the extension unit to another
extension unit.

13. A control unit comprising:a plurality of transceivers, each of the
plurality of transceivers are coupled to a powerline network; anda switch
coupled to each of the plurality of transceivers,wherein the control unit
is coupled to a broadband wireless network and an extension unit via the
powerline network, andwherein the switch of the control unit switches
communications between the extension unit and the broadband wireless
network.

14. The control unit of claim 13, wherein the control unit includes a
voice compressor.

15. The control unit of claim 13, wherein the control unit provides
private branch exchange functions.

16. The control unit of claim 15, wherein the private branch exchange
functions include switching incoming calls to the extension unit,
establishing an intercom between the extension unit and another extension
unit, placing a call on hold, transferring a call from the extension unit
to another extension unit, forwarding a call from the extension unit to
another extension unit.

17. An extension unit comprising:a transceiver coupled to the powerline
network; andan interface to a communication unit,wherein the transceiver
of the extension unit is coupled to a broadband wireless network and at
least one other extension unit via the powerline network.

18. The extension unit of claim 17, wherein the communication unit is a
public switched network (PSTN) or private branch exchange (PBX) telephone
and the extension unit further comprises:a
digital-to-analog/analog-to-digital converter coupled to the extension
unit transceiver; anda subscriber line interface coupled between the
digital-to-analog/analog-to-digital converter and the PSTN or PBX
telephone.

19. The extension unit of claim 17, wherein the communication unit is a
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone or a computer and the
extension unit further comprises:a session initiation protocol (SIP) and
media gateway coupled between the extension unit transceiver and the VoIP
telephone or computer.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]There are a variety of different transmission interfaces for
communications, including wireless and wired communications. Wired
communications are typically employed over wires dedicated solely for
supporting communications, e.g., the public switched telephone network
(PSTN). Another type of wired communications, commonly referred to as
powerline communications, employs electrical powerlines to carry
communications. In particular, communication signals are modulated onto
the powerline by a transmitter and then demodulated by a receiver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Powerline communications can be particularly useful for businesses.
Specifically computer networks, such as local area networks (LANs), and
private branch exchanges (i.e., private telephone networks) typically
require dedicated wires. If the premises are not wired to support a LAN
or PBX then the business will have to pay to have the wiring added. When
the business later relocates to different premises the cost of wiring is
not recouped. Additionally, once the outlets for the LAN or PBX are
installed, the furniture must be arranged around these outlets. Unlike
LAN and PBX installations, which require a home-run from the outlet to
the switch, powerline communications can be supported using outlets that
are coupled serially. Thus, a new outlet can be run off of an existing
outlet.

[0003]Systems and methods for powerline communications are provided. An
exemplary system includes a controller and an extension unit. The
controller includes a plurality of transceivers, each of the plurality of
transceivers are coupled to a powerline network, and a switch coupled to
each of the plurality of transceivers. The extension unit includes a
transceiver coupled to the powerline network and an interface to a
communication unit. The controller is coupled to a broadband wireless
network via the powerline network and the switch of the controller
switches communications between the extension unit and the broadband
wireless network.

[0004]The controller and extension unit can each include a voice
compressor. The communication unit can be a public switched network
(PSTN) or private branch exchange (PBX) telephone and the extension unit
can also include a digital-to-analog/analog-to-digital converter coupled
to the extension unit transceiver and a subscriber line interface coupled
between the digital-to-analog/analog-to-digital converter and the PSTN or
PBX telephone. The communication unit can be a Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) telephone or a computer and the extension unit can also
include a session initiation protocol (SIP) and media gateway coupled
between the extension unit transceiver and the VoIP telephone or
computer.

[0005]The extension unit can also include a
digital-to-analog/analog-to-digital converter coupled to the extension
unit transceiver, a subscriber line interface coupled to the
digital-to-analog/analog-to-digital converter and a session initiation
protocol (SIP) and media gateway coupled to the extension unit
transceiver.

[0006]The system can include a plurality of unit controllers, each of the
plurality of unit controllers are coupled between a respective one of the
plurality of transceivers and the switch. The system can also include a
broadband transceiver coupled between the controller and the broadband
wireless network. The extension unit transceiver and the plurality of
transceivers can modulate communications onto a powerline of the
powerline network. The communications can be voice communications and/or
data communications.

[0007]The controller can provide private branch exchange functions,
including switching incoming calls to the extension unit, establishing an
intercom between the extension unit and another extension unit, placing a
call on hold, transferring a call from the extension unit to another
extension unit, for varding a call from the extension unit to another
extension unit.

[0008]Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of
the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0009]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system in accordance with
the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary central control unit in
accordance with the present invention.

[0011]FIGS. 3A-3C are block diagrams of exemplary extension units in
accordance with the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary filter in accordance with
the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with
the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system in accordance with
the present invention. The exemplary system includes a powerline network
102 that couples central control unit 104 to a plurality of extension
units 106, 110, 114 and 118. Central control unit 104 is coupled to the
PSTN 126, and broadband network 124 via broadband transceiver 122.
Broadband network 124 can be, for example, a WiMAX network, LTE network
and/or the like. Central control unit 104 allows any type of telephone or
computer to exchange communications with another telephone or computer,
broadband network and/or PSTN by plugging an extension unit the central
control unit and broadband transceiver 122 into an electrical outlet.
Additionally, central control unit 104 can provide any type of PBX
functionality to extension units 106, 110, 114 and 118 including
switching incoming calls to different extension units intercom between
extension units, placing calls on hold, transferring calls between
extension units, forwarding calls to different extension units, and the
like.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary central control unit in
accordance with the present invention. Central control unit 104 includes
a power plug 202 that is inserted into an electrical outlet to couple the
central control unit to powerline network 102. Power plug 202 is coupled
to a plurality of electrical components associated with each extension
unit. For each extension unit central control unit 104 includes a
powerline receiver 2041 coupled to power plug 202 and a slave unit
controller 2061. Slave unit controller 2061 is coupled to slave
unit controller 2081, which in turn is coupled to powerline
transmitter 2101. Slave unit controller 2061 is coupled to
switching microcontroller 212, which in turn is coupled to master
microcontroller 214.

[0017]Powerline receiver 204, and powerline transmitter 2101 can be
embodied as separate components or as a single transceiver. Regardless,
the component will include the ability to support half-duplex frequency
shift key (FSK) modulation, and include an integrated powerline driver
with programmable voltage and current control. The transceivers can
operate at programmable transmission frequencies and/or baud rates. The
receiving sensitivity can be adjusted, and the transceiver also provides
carrier or preamble detection. Any of the aforementioned functions can be
adjusted using a programmable control register.

[0018]Master microcontroller 214 is coupled to database 216 and voice
compressor 218. Voice compressor 218 includes a decoder 220 and encoder
222. Master microcontroller 214 controls the interfacing with the
subscriber line interface cards of the extension units and powerline
transceivers. Master microcontroller 214 communicates with switching
microcontroller using USART communications. Master microcontroller 214
also manages the PBX functionality, such as any of the PBX functionality
discussed above.

[0019]Switching microcontroller 212 is responsible for coupling
communications between the various extension units, and also between
extension units and broadband network 124 and/or PSTN 126. This switching
is controlled by master microcontroller 214, using information stored in
database 216. Database 216 includes information about the status of each
extension unit so that master microcontroller 214 can determine whether
the extension unit is busy or available to take an incoming
communication. Database 216 can also include other information necessary
for supporting PBX functionality.

[0020]Voice compressor 218 compresses and decompresses voice for
transmission over the powerline network either to other extension units
or to broadband network 124 or PSTN 126.

[0021]FIGS. 3A-3C are block diagrams of exemplary extension units in
accordance with the present invention. Extension unit 300, can be used to
support a PSTN telephone and/or PBX telephone 322 for communicating with
powerline network 102. Extension unit 3001 includes a power plug 302
that can be inserted into an electrical outlet to couple the unit to
powerline network 102. Power plug 302 is coupled to a powerline receiver
304, which in turn is coupled to a slave unit controller 306. Slave unit
controller 306 is coupled to decoder 314 of voice compressor 812. Power
plug 302 is also coupled to powerline transmitter 310, which in turn is
coupled to slave unit controller 308. Slave unit controller 308 is
coupled to encoder 316 of voice compressor 312.

[0022]Powerline transmitter and receiver 304 and 310 can be separate
components or can be integrated into a single transceiver, Regardless,
the component will include the ability to support half-duplex frequency
shift key (FSI) modulation, and include an integrated powerline driver
with programmable voltage and current control. The transceivers can
operate at programmable transmission frequencies and/or baud rates. The
receiving sensitivity can be adjusted, and the transceiver also provides
carrier or preamble detection. Any of the aforementioned functions can be
adjusted using a programmable control register.

[0023]Voice compressor 312 is coupled to an analog-to-digital
converter/digital-to-analog converter 318 (ADC/DAC), which in turn is
coupled to a subscriber line interface card 320. ADC/DAC converts digital
voice from compressor 312 into analog voice for subscriber line interface
card 320 and vice versa. Subscriber line interface card 320 includes an
input to accept a connection to PSTN telephone/PBX telephone 322 in order
to couple the telephone to the central control unit.

[0024]The extension unit 3022 of FIG. 3B is similar to that of
extension unit 3001 of FIG. 3A, except that extension unit 3022
is used for coupling a VoIP telephone and/or computer 326 to powerline
network 102. Extension unit 3022 includes a session initiation
protocol (SIP)/media gateway 324. When extension unit 3022 is
coupled to a computer, communications between slave unit controllers 306
and 308 and SIP/media gateway,324 need not pass through voice compressor
312. If the VoIP phone/computer 326 is compatible with analog signals.,
then extension unit 3022 can also include an ADC/DAC 318 and
subscriber line interface card 320.

[0025]Extension unit 3003 of FIG. 3C includes the ability to couple
both PSTN telephone/PBX telephone 322 and VoIP telephone/computer 326 to
powerline network 102. This provides the added flexibility that extension
unit 3003 can be employed with any type of communication device.

[0026]As discussed above., powerlines are particularly noisy. Accordingly,
exemplary embodiments of the present invention can employ the filter of
FIG. 4 between the powerline and the transmitter/receiver of the central
control unit and the extension units. The filter includes a transmit
active filter 405 that receives signals from the transmitter and passes
the signals to a transmit passive filter 410. Transmit passive filter
passes the signals to isolator 415, which in turn passes the signals to
the powerline network. Isolator 415 can be, for example an optical
isolator.

[0027]Communication signals received from the powerline network pass from
isolator 415 to transmit passive filter 410, and then to receive passive
filter 420. Receive passive filter 420 passes the filtered signals to the
receiver of the central control unit or extension unit. The various
filters can be arranged to filter out noise and can be tuned to
particular frequencies and amplitudes in which the communication signals
are carried. For example, the filters can be tuned to pass signals in the
1800 MHz and 2.4 GHz bands.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with
the present invention. Master microcontroller 214 communicates with
switching microcontroller 212 every 20 milliseconds (step 505) in order
to determine whether there is an off-hook or ring signal (step 510). When
there is not an off-hook or ring signal ("No" path out of decision step
510), master microcontroller 214 waits another 20 milliseconds to
communicate with switching microcontroller 212. When switching
microcontroller 212 informs master microcontroller 214 of a ring signal
("Ring Signal") path out of decision step 510) master microcontroller 214
initiates the ringing process (step 515). Specifically, master
microcontroller checks the status of the destination extension unit
(e.g., busy or available) and then sends a ringing signal to the
destination extension unit.

[0029]Master microcontroller 214 waits for an off-hook condition and then
starts the voice communication between the call originator and the call
destination (step 520). When master microcontroller 214 detects an
on-hook condition for the extension unit then master microcontroller
resets the extension unit in database 216 (step 625), and then it
continues to communicate with switching microcontroller 212 (step 505).

[0030]When switching microcontroller 212 informs master microcontroller
214 of an off-hook condition for a particular extension unit ("Off-Hook"
path out of decision step 510), master microcontroller 214 updates the
database of the off-hook status of the extension unit and waits for DTMF
signals corresponding to a dialed telephone number (step 530). Master
microcontroller 214 then sends the dialed digits in a packet header to
the destination extension unit (step 535) and sends a ringing signal to
switching microcontroller 212 (step 640). Master microcontroller 214 then
waits for a busy signal or the initiation of the call (step 545) and in
the case of a call initiation starts voice communications between the
call originator and call destination (step 550). Upon detecting an
on-hook condition: master microcontrouer 214 restarts the extensions
(step 525) and continues to communicate with the switching
microcontroller 212.

[0031]The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the
invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the
disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the
invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should
be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended
claims and equivalents thereof